Balearic Islands to propose law assisting pregnant women

Madrid, Spain, Aug 23, 2012 / 12:04 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The government of the Balearic Islands is slated to propose legislation aimed at helping pregnant women in difficult situations, and to encourage them not to undergo an abortion.

After a meeting with Antoni Mesquida – leader of the islands' Department of Health – local spokesman for Right to Life Juan Jose Tenorio said the law will not “require” women to continue with their pregnancies, but is only intended to help them “choose freely.”

In remarks to Europa Press on Aug. 22, he noted that ultimately the “objective is to help the birth rate” increase in the western Mediterranean island community.

According to Tenorio, Mesquida's department is drafting the measure and will send it to parliament when the next legislative session begins in September.

Tenorio said the health department and society in general should help pregnant women in need so they can “save their pregnancies and not abort, always taking into account that women’s freedom should be respected.”

“The priority should be that they choose freely,” he said, arguing that women are not being given adequate information on alternatives to the procedure, despite requirements to the contrary under Spain's current abortion law.